Bi-directional remote control unit and method of using the same

Abstract

A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.

1. A remote control unit comprising:
 a transmitting portion configured to output an instruction, said instruction being executable by an external source; 
 a receiving portion configured to receive a confirmation signal from said external source, said confirmation signal confirming receipt of said instruction by said external source; 
 a display configured to display viewable information, said receiving portion receiving said viewable information from said external source, 
 wherein said viewable information is a list of commands for controlling a peripheral device. 
 
     
     
       2. The remote control unit of  claim 1 , wherein said instruction is user enterable using keys or buttons. 
     
     
       3. The remote control unit of  claim 1 , wherein said instruction is viewable on said display. 
     
     
       4. The remote control unit of  claim 1 , wherein said peripheral device is connected to said external source, said list of commands from said peripheral device being sent to said external source. 
     
     
       5. The remote control unit of  claim 1 , wherein said viewable information is program guide information, said program guide information being a menu of programming. 
     
     
       6. The remote control unit of  claim 1 , wherein said viewable information is a list of sub-channels, a digital channel having said sub-channels. 
     
     
       7. The remote control unit of  claim 6 , wherein the channel number of said digital channel is viewable on said display. 
     
     
       8. The remote control unit of  claim 6 , wherein a sub-channel from said list of sub-channels is user selectable. 
     
     
       9. The remote control unit of  claim 1 , wherein said viewable information is a request for additional information. 
     
     
       10. The remote control unit of  claim 9 , wherein said request is from said external source. 
     
     
       11. The remote control unit of  claim 9 , wherein said receiving portion is configured to receive a prompt signal, said prompt signal being said request. 
     
     
       12. The remote control unit of  claim 9 , wherein said external source utilizes said additional information to execute said instruction. 
     
     
       13. The remote control unit of  claim 9 , wherein said additional information is obtainable from a user input. 
     
     
       14. The external source configured to output the confirmation signal of  claim 1 .